It’s been quiet around here, I admit. I haven’t had much to say. But sometimes when you’re going through it, the best thing to say is nothing at all. And in that quiet space of self-rejuvenation, I picked up a few gems to take me back in the driven direction I’m accustomed to. You won’t find these in Bergdorfs or Saks but trust and believe me when I say they are invaluable tools that helped me get my glimmer back.

I started pole dancing. I won’t post pictures of my pathetic attempt at a martini move or firefighter, but I will say that the pole reinvigorated a sensuality within me that lay dormant for quite some time as I stopped dancing years ago. It was just the jolt I needed.

I signed up for a 10K. Training and running for a 10K gave me something to look forward to on the days I felt like I had no goals that were attainable. I downloaded the Jeff Galloway walk/run app and finished with a personal record AND minimal body strain

I started regularly scheduling beauty treatments for myself. Not on a whim, not when I had time – but actually pulling out my little red Moleskin planner and writing in my beauty days. That little habit did wonders for me.

Speaking of scheduling, I added meditation, yoga and mini morning workout to my cell phone calendar to give me that gentle nudge to be active every day, especially on days where I would rather just curl under my comfortable and read a New York magazine.

I’ve been talking and expressing myself now more than ever. I’m not the type of person to wear my emotions on my shoulder; I’ve been told many times that I have the perfect poker face. But this period saw me releasing tears, frustrations, and general thoughts to my closest, trusted friends. It felt good to be open and honest, but a little scary to be vulnerable. But in giving myself permission to release, I realized that I am not a one woman island, and I have the support and love of some very special people. And that is a jewel that can’t be bought.